In the high-stakes world of NASCAR, strategic decisions can shape not only the racing landscape but also the financial opportunities for those involved. With the regular-season championship coming to a close. Bubba Wallace is now the favorite to make it to the playoffs if a new race winner doesn’t emerge at Daytona. Wallace is currently inside the playoff bubble in P16 with a 32-point lead over Ty Gibbs.
As a long-time driver for Joe Gibbs Racing and the co-owner of 23XI Racing, Denny Hamlin finds himself in a tough spot. Who should he back to make the playoffs? His own driver, Bubba Wallace, or the grandson of his team boss and his teammate, Ty Gibbs? As always, the hosts of the Door Bumper Clear podcast offer an interesting insight into the scenario.
The insight revolves around a surprising factor: money. In a candid conversation, the insiders delve into the financial stakes. Sparking a debate over whether Bubba Wallace’s or Ty Gibbs’ success could result in more revenue for Hamlin.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Denny Hamlin’s potential playoff conundrum: Bubba Wallace or Ty Gibbs
As the co-owner of 23XI Racing, Denny Hamlin’s vested interest in Bubba Wallace’s performance during the playoff run creates a unique narrative. Positioned on the edge of playoff qualification. Wallace’s journey comes with significant implications not only for his own career but also for Hamlin’s co-ownership endeavors.
While the focus remains on Wallace’s prospects, the impending challenge is apparent. Balancing personal investments with team loyalty. The insiders’ revelation adds a layer of complexity to the high-stakes racing world, where strategic decisions intertwine with financial motivations.
During the conversation on the DBC podcast, Casey Boat asked an intriguing question to her co-hosts. “Ty Gibbs obviously has a shot. Bubba With another shot. What would Denny do in this situation? Who would he help?”
Expressing the weight of the conundrum, Freddie Kraft said, “That would be a son of a bit*h for him, huh.” Following the train of thought, Brett Griffin said, “Bubba Wallace ain’t got a contract from Joe Gibbs.” Kraft agreed, “That’s True”.
Griffin followed up with the all-important question, “What makes him [Hamlin] more money? Bubba Wallace winning or Ty Gibbs winning.” Knowing the answer well, Kraft said, “Bubba Wallace is winning.” Getting the final clue to the puzzle, Griffin added, “I know that’s what I am doing. I am here to cash cheques, not write them.”
READ MORE: Michael Jordan’s NASCAR Team Threatened With Financial Loss, Thanks to Denny Hamlin’s Provocation
Beyond the intrigue, Bubba Wallace stands at the forefront of a playoff battle that brims with tension. As the star driver of 23XI Racing, he currently holds the crucial 16th and final playoff position. With just one race remaining in the regular season, the spotlight is intense.
Wallace is bracing himself for one of the most stressful races of his career
Trending
Despite 2023 Disaster, Chase Elliott Risks Angering Rick Hendrick by Choosing Alex Bowman’s HMS Banned Tactic
What Is Left of Denny Hamlin’s Depleting Core After Having to Deal With a Nearly $70 Billion Loss?
NASCAR Rumors: Corey LaJoie’s Cup Future Dependent on ‘$’ Amid Rick Ware’s Hopes of Tony Stewart’s SHR Replay
NASCAR Rumor: Handed $25,000 Fine, Xfinity Star Could Replace Chevy’s Rejected Prodigy
“To the Death”: Kyle Busch Offers Martin Truex Jr. a Rare Alliance to Survive ‘Hunger Games of NASCAR’
Bubba Wallace’s journey has been far from smooth on road and street courses this year. Yet, his recent performance at Watkins Glen showcased his ability to execute under pressure. Starting and finishing 12th, Wallace extended his point margin from 28 to 32, a feat he credited to his unwavering focus and team support.
With the next race at Daytona looming, Wallace’s resolve is tested anew. Unless there’s a new race winner at Daytona, a decent performance from Wallace should see him through to the playoffs.
In a post-race interview at Watkins Glen, Bubba Wallace shared his thoughts on his performance and the upcoming race weekend at Daytona. “Thanks to Byron for winning that,” said Wallace. “Didn’t have a new winner. I’m proud of myself. That’s the first time I felt proud of myself at a road course race. I just executed and didn’t lose focus, maybe one time. And that’s the difference maker. You’ve got to stay on it at these places. Just hats off to my team for sticking with me and believing in me on these road courses.”
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
“I know we still have one more to go, but we wanted to maintain our gap and not lose too many and we gained. Hats off to everybody on the effort we put in. Thanks to Toyota for believing in me, McDonalds, and all of our partners involved. Just a great day for the 23 team. Now, we get to go in Daytona stressful as hell, but it takes a little bit of the edge off for sure,” he concluded.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Watch This Story | Fans Join Bubba Wallace in Mocking Denny Hamlin Causing Michael Jordan’s President To Step In and Rescue
As the tension builds towards the final regular-season race at Daytona, the racing world braces for a captivating showdown where strategy and resilience will converge to determine who emerges as a playoff contender. Share your predictions with us in the comments below.